Frenchboro Island Charters
Join us for an unforgettable adventure to Frenchboro Island, Maine's smallest island community!
Trip Details
Join us for a cruise to Frenchboro Island, Maine's smallest island community. We offer two daily cruises (7:00 AM and 10:00 AM), where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the ocean, observe local marine life, and learn about the fascinating world of lobstering and the rich history of the island.
Explore the stunning natural landscapes of Frenchboro Island and experience the unique charm of Maine's island life. Book your cruise today and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Itinerary and Activities
- Vessel departs from x at 7AM and 10AM from x to x (seasonal dates)
- Enjoy the beauty of Maine’s islands, where you may see harbor porpoises, seals, and eagles
- Learn all about lobsters with a lobstering demonstration from Captain Brett who’s spent a lifetime lobstering in Maine
- Disembark the vessel to explore Frenchboro! Pack a lunch or eat at the island’s only lunch spot, Lunt's Deli
- Explore 12 miles of hiking trails that hug the rockbound shore (trail maps available)
- Browse the historical museum, library and gift shop
- Vessel departs the island at 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM
About The Island
Frenchboro, located 8 miles south of Bass Harbor, is the easternmost unbridged, year-round island community in the United States. With a year-round population of around 27 residents, it swells to about 75 in the summer. Settled in the 1820s by William Rich at Rich’s Head, the island’s early economy was centered on farming, cod fishing, and timber harvesting. By the 1890s, the population peaked at 200, primarily engaged in fishing and timber. As cod fishing declined, so did the population. In the early 1900s, lobstering, once seen as a poor man's fishery, helped sustain the community, although it wasn’t valued as a resource. In an effort to attract families, the State of Maine built seven Cape-style homes to support lobster fishing. The 2020 census reported a year-round population of 29. Frenchboro remains difficult to access, with just two ferry trips per month. However, it remains a peaceful haven for yacht enthusiasts, offering anchorage in the outer harbor. In 2000, Maine Coast Heritage Trust acquired over 1,000 acres of land, with support from the Rockefeller family. The island has over 12 miles of hiking trails and just one mile of paved road.
Private Charters
We offer custom charters, and are happy to accommodate your ideas and travel needs for a special event or memorable summer experience.
- Sunset Cruises
- Light House Tours
- Lobster Fishing Demos
- Fall Foliage Tours
- Private Water Taxi Service
Maximum 6 passengers. Flexible scheduling.
Pricing starts at $200.00 per five-hour trip.
About Us
We moved to the island in 2017 from the Portland area as climate change started to affect the lobster fishery in southern Maine. The catch in Downeast Maine remains stable, yet as every year passes we see the affects of climate change on the fisheries.
Capt. Brett has had his USCG 100T Masters license since 2001. He started lobster fishing in the early 90's and that led to many other fishing adventures such as ground fishing, tuna, and sea urchin harvesting. Brett has also worked as a merchant marine on the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico, working on coastal tugs and running crew and supply boats in the oil field.